Author: Monica Salas

Halloween is almost here and that means two things: your kids will want all the candy in the world, and they will want to get all this candy while dressed up as their favorite character. While Halloween is an enjoyable holiday for people of all ages, it can also be a scary one if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are some things to keep in mind during this spooky season.

1. Make sure costumes are safe.

Since it will be dark outside, costumes should be bright and reflective. They should also be short enough, so your child won’t trip or get their costume caught in any hazards like debris, jack-o-lantern flames, etc. Any body paint should be tested on a small section of skin before the big day so allergic reactions can be avoided. Also, double check that your child can see through their eye mask if they have one!

2. Use flashlights to see what’s around you.

Sure, there are some street lamps and porch lights, but a flashlight with fresh batteries is the best way to ensure a lit pathway while trick-or-treating. Phone flashlights work too!

3. Always use sidewalks and crosswalks and avoid walking through lawns.

It’s late at night and it might be difficult to spot trick-or-treaters. Play it safe and stick to the side. As for lawns, there might be tripping hazards like a garden hose or other miscellaneous items that the homeowner forgot to remove.

4. Always read the ingredient label.

If your child or someone in your family has a food allergy, be sure to separate treats containing
the ingredient and let the rest of your family know why. Some candies are made in places where
contamination could have occurred. Err on the side of caution to protect your family this year.

5. Check for tampered treats.

If a treat is unwrapped, homemade, or otherwise suspicious, throw it away. Although it’s rare to
find tampered treats, it’s not worth the risk. Most likely, your children won’t miss one or two
treats. Worst case scenario: head to the stores on November 1st to pick up all of the discounted
Halloween candy.

Pumpkins are a must-have decoration during the fall, but unless your child is patient enough to watch you carve the pumpkin, it can be hard to include the little ones in the fun. Your child can express their creativity by decorating the outside of a pumpkin. Here are five ideas for pumpkin decorating with young children:

1. Use Paint

Toddlers love finger painting (and making a mess), but this way, they can paint as many layers with as many colors as they want. Make sure to use washable paint so the mess is easier to clean! If using tempera paint, mix it equal parts with washable glue to prevent flaking after the paint dries.

2. Use Stencils

Whether it’s a shape or an animal stencil, you can hold it onto the pumpkin while your child fills it in. This offers some guidance, while also letting them have at it. Switch it up with different colors and different stencils for a unique design!

3. Decorate with Stickers

The great part about this method is that you can use old stickers that have been laying in your craft supplies for a while or buy stickers from the dollar store! Your little one can decorate while also working on their motor skills.

4. Use Glitter

While glitter is the messiest way to decorate a pumpkin, it can also be the most fun! Will your
child dump the glitter over the whole thing? Will they strategically pour the glitter? Or will they
simply toss it up in the air and let it fall where it may? Pick a nice day and decorate outside with
your child if you choose this route.

5. Make it a Costume Party

If you really want a mess-free decorating experience, opt for dress-up! Your child can dress the
pumpkin in hats and scarves and call it a day. You could even have a pumpkin fashion show!

Flu season is fast approaching. Take preventative measures and know what to do before you or your child falls ill. Flu season is suspected to come early this year.

How do I prevent the flu?

1. Get a flu shot

2. Eat healthy, exercise, and maintain healthy practices

3. Boost your immune system

However, getting the flu shot is not a guarantee that you will not catch the flu but getting the vaccine could help lessen the symptoms of the flu. The flu shot takes about two weeks to become effective, so a good time to get the flu shot is by the end of October. Healthy children 6 months or older can get the flu shot.

Obviously, taking care of your body and overall health should be a priority regardless of if it is flu season or not. Proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, and exercise does wonder for your body and immune system. Maintaining healthy practices includes washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, washing clothes and bedclothes regularly, using separate cups and utensils, and sneezing or coughing into the inside of your elbow. To get a leg up over flu season and boost your immune system, try implementing a multivitamin to your daily routine.

What can I do if I or my children get the flu or another virus?

If you or your child has the flu, make sure to drink plenty of fluids, rest, and manage fever and pain. Check with your health care physician or pediatrician first, but acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to alleviate pain and fever symptoms.

In addition to pain medications such as ibuprofen, applying heat using a heating pad or other methods to areas that are painful and sore can help reduce pain. Taking a warm bath can help break a fever.

If you or your child has a stuffy nose and cannot breathe properly, try using a humidifier or the CLEARinse Nasal Aspirator to clear the nose. Interestingly, this nasal aspirator was developed by an ER Doctor and made with young children and babies in mind. As always, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces and other areas in your home.

It can be hard to keep your cool when your child is having a tantrum. It can feel like there is no end in sight, frustrating, and helplessness. Believe it or not, tantrums are healthy for children and your relationship with your child.

Why are tantrums good for my child?

When your child is throwing the temper tantrum of all tantrums, they are getting their emotions out. Part of developing, emotionally and mentally, is learning how to manage your emotions. Children are simply in this learning process, so go easy on them! They trust you and feel safe in showing their emotions and telling you how they feel.

Releasing their emotions will make them feel better, relieve their stress, clear their head, and more. Many times, children have breakdowns after they are told, “No.” Hearing that they cannot have something or take an action is healthy for you and your child. It shows children that there are limits and that you, as the parent, are standing your ground.

What can I do during and after my child’s tantrum?

During the tantrum, try asking them to explain how they feel and why they are acting in that way. Let them know that it is okay to express their emotions.

Afterward, teach them why you said, “No,” to them. Explain their behavior related boundaries. Let them know that you said “No,” to candy because they did not eat their veggies at dinnertime. Everything is a learning process!